Troy University Athletics
Photo by: Cass Davis
Fans Out In Full Force for Fan Appreciation Day
8/21/2011 5:57:00 PM | General
PHOTO GALLERY
Sunday afternoon was a day for Troy University student-athletes and Trojans fans to get together for Fan Appreciation day at Sartain Hall.
All of the fall sports – volleyball, cross country, soccer and football, along with the 2011 Trojans cheerleaders – were there to meet and greet with fans. More than 400 fans enjoyed spending time with the Trojans, gathering autographs and taking photos for more than two hours.
Alyssa Childress, a junior member of the cheerleading squad, was excited about the turnout.
“Today is a time to come out and meet everyone because, without our fans, we would have nothing to cheer for,” Childress said
There were fans of all ages on hand to support the fall athletes. Families came out allowing many children to mingle with the Troy athletes. There was also many alumni who showed up to show their support for the Trojans, and there were plenty of students came to get autographs and pictures made.
“It's a good feeling to come to my home school and interact with all the players,” alumnus Andy Martin said.
Two young, but excited, fans were Kinley Ross and Page Bright.
“[Fan Day] means that we get to enjoy spending time with the athletes and having fun.”
The athletes also enjoy spending some time with the fans.
“Just having these kids out here means a lot to us,” junior defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi said. “I'm just proud to be a Trojan. It makes me feel great to do my job, to work hard everyday, to bring joy to these kids hearts, to make them love Trojan football and know that it's hard work.”
Senior football player James Brown agreed that the fan support is important to the players.
“It feels great to know that someone is behind you,” Brown said.
Justin Beule is a current student at Troy who is studying Music Education and is from Michigan. He said Fan Day gives everyone a chance to express their feelings for the student-athletes.
“To tell them how much you appreciate everything that they do for the school and for us, the fans, and how much fun they make it to be a Trojan,” Beule said.
Not only do the athletes understand that fans are important, but they know they are role models for the youngest Trojan fans.
“It means a lot to know that we, as football players, can be good role models for these kids,” freshman linebacker Sam Pounds said.
Every year, Fan Appreciation Day seems to grow larger and larger. When the event first started about 50 fans showed up, but the number continues to grow for the Trojans.
“It is a lot of fun to see how the interest has grown so much over all of these years,” Coach Larry Blakeney said. “The players enjoy it.”
“I have been here for three years and every year more people come out to support,” junior linebacker Jacoby Thomas said.
Gus King and some of the Trojan Warrior Council provided free hot dogs and drinks for all that showed up to help.
The event was sponsored by Trojan Warrior Council, Piggly Wiggly, Horn Beverage Co., Inc, Sodexho, Florida's Fixins', Whitewater Properties LLC, and Marianna Pediatrics Associates, PA.
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